Going from digital to analog is kind of like going from boating in freshwater to boating in salt water. Just when you thought taking care of your boat was pretty easy, here comes the salt. Point being, starting analog and moving to digital is probably a much more pleasurable experience than the other way around. However, since you are going down the digital to analog path, my advice is buy used analog only records, clean them well with an ultrasonic cleaner and play them with carts like sumiko starling which is outstanding at minimizing background noise on used albums. And be ready to spend twice as much as your digital end to match it or better it. It will require lots of patience and work, just like a salt water boat.
Turntable noobie...what advice do you have?
As this forum has corrupted me and I have decided to dive down the rabbit hole of LP's. Usually I stream but I find the tactile experience of records appealing. I have ordered a Pro-ject RPM-3 Carbon with Sumiko Amethyst cartridge and a Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono preamp. Oh, and a record brush. I will be plugging them into my Voyager GAN amp and from there powering my LSA 20 Statement speakers.
I know there is always better equipment to get but I feel this gives a good starting point. I picked up some new records but a half dozen does not a record collection make. So I do plan on making my focus for the near future getting more and expanding my collection. I listen to all kind of music so they will be many different genres. I will be getting new ones but I will undoubtedly get some used ones too.
Okay, so what all would you recommend for someone just getting into this hobby? Especially if I am getting any used records, I should probably look at a record cleaner. What else for equipment or doodads? What about tricks or tips for increasing my collection? In my city there is a record store called Music Millennium that I will be checking out and there of course if Barnes and Noble (where I purchased my other ones). Do you know of places online I should check out? Thanks in advance for your advice.